Boatswain's Mate - Navy Enlisted Rating Descriptions

Enlistees who haven't decided on their Navy career path may choose this rating

The Navy's Boatswain's Mate rating (which is what the Navy calls its jobs) is one of the two oldest in this branch of the military, dating back to 1794.

This rating, which has Navy Occupational Specialty code number B400 allows new recruits to enlist without a specific career path identified. It's often used by some enlisted personnel who haven't decided which career to pursue (think of it as a college freshman whose major is still "undecided"), and by others who want a certain rating that may not be available at the time they enlist.

Boatswain's Mates also operate and maintain equipment which may be used in a variety of areas aboard a ship, including loading and unloading cargo, ammunition, fuel and general stores.

Since this rating is kind of an all-purpose position, the duties are varied and tend to cover work not assigned to other ratings. Boatswain's Mates may serve as helmsmen and lookouts, or stand as security watches (both in port and at sea), or serve as part of a damage control, emergency or security alert team.

Their duties may also include repairing, maintaining and stowing equipment in preparation for underway operations; doing temporary duty for 90-120 days with food services divisions or compartment cleaning; working in non-engineering divisions of the ship or station or participating in naval ceremonies.

Working Environment for Boatswain's Mates

After successful completion of recruit training, Boatswain's Mates are usually assigned to shipboard duties where the Navy needs them the most.

Boatswain's Mates can request and may receive on-the-job training in a rating that they are interested in, qualified for and which is available at their first command by completing correspondence courses and personal advancement requirements.

They must also be recommended by their commanding officer for the Navy rating they desire.

Although this rating may seem like a jack-of-all-trades job with wildly varied duties, the Navy describes Boatswain's Mates as the "backbone of every ship's crew."

A-School Information for Boatswain's Mates

After completion of recruit training, enlistees in the Seaman Apprenticeship Training Program attend a six-weeks of training at Boatswain's Mate class "A" school in Great Lakes, Illinois.

Boatswain's Mates may also attend Navy schools to learn about general damage control, shipboard firefighting, preventive maintenance of special equipment and the use of special tools used in the rating they are working in or seeking.